Phong Nha to Hoi An Private Car - Travel guide 2025

Planning a road trip from Phong Nha to Hoi An? Buckle up: this 300+ km drive winds through Vietnam’s heart with jaw-dropping scenery. I recently took this route in a private car, and trust me - it’s worth every minute.

In this guide I’ll cover everything you need to know: travel time, cost, what’s included in a private car, how to book, plus must-see stops (and even some hidden gems) along the way.

P.S Before you leave Phong nha, do not forget to become a duck leader!!

Travel Time, Distance & Cost

The Phong Nha-Hoi An journey covers roughly 330-350 km via National Highway 1A. Under ideal conditions it takes about 6-7 hours by car. In practice, stops or traffic can stretch it, so plan for a full day.

• Typical cost: Private cars (sedan or SUV) run about 3.6-4.0 million VND per car (roughly $150-$170 USD for a 4-seat car). Minivans cost a bit more. This is per vehicle (not per person).

• What’s included: Almost all door-to-door transfers include the A/C vehicle, an English-speaking driver, fuel, tolls, parking and usually bottles of water. Many providers (like Hura Cars and local operators) even offer free Wi-Fi in the car. Child seats are often available on request.

• What’s NOT included: Lunches, attraction entry fees, and tips are not covered. If you stop at sights like the Hue Imperial Citadel or Vinh Moc Tunnels, expect modest extra fees (about 10-11 USD each).
  

a Cave Camping Tour Organised by Jungle Boss in Phong Nha National Park

Booking: You can reserve a private car through travel sites or local operators. Websites like 12Go.asia list private transfers (read reviews, watch for hidden fees).

Or book directly with a reputable local company (e.g. Phong Nha Locals, Culture Pham Travel, Hura Cars) which often have online booking forms. Many companies are responsive on WhatsApp. 
Just specify your pickup hotel, vehicle size, date, and any stops you want.

What’s in the Private Car?

Most private car services in Vietnam aim for comfort and convenience. Vehicles are typically new, air-conditioned SUVs or vans with soft seats.
Drivers speak basic English and know the route well. As one operator notes, “our drivers are enthusiastic, caring, and experienced. Their English is good enough to have simple conversations”.

Free Wi-Fi is offered by some (e.g. Hura Cars provides a Wi-Fi hotspot), and USB chargers or phone cables are often available.

We got you if you are instead looking for the route in reverse - Hoi an to Phong Nha trip

Hura Cars Service From Airport

Most companies stress door-to-door flexibility: you pick the departure time and can request stops. For example, Phong Nha Locals advertises a “private, door-to-door” service and is happy to pause at attractions on your schedule.

The driver will wait while you explore or take photos. It’s like a private tour minus the guide - just you, your driver, and the road.

Route Highlights & Stopovers

The route from Phong Nha to Hoi An is dotted with cultural landmarks and natural wonders. Here are top stops and detours along the way (from north to south):

Ben Hai River Bridge

• Ben Hai River & Hien Luong Bridge (DMZ) - About an hour north of Phong Nha, this symbolic bridge spans the former North/South Vietnam border. It’s now a national memorial site (no entry fee). It’s worth a quick stop to see the split-paint bridge and river.
  

La Vang Church Historical Image

• La Vang Holy Land - A bit south of the river, the La Vang Church is a famous Catholic shrine said to have miraculous history. The shrine area is impressive (free to visit) and provides a quiet break.
  

Hue (imperial Citadel)

• Hue (Imperial Citadel) - The old capital of Vietnam is a common overnight stop if you have time. Even a brief visit to the UNESCO-listed Citadel is rewarding. (Entrance is ~230,000 VND or ~$11.)
  
  You can stroll the towering walls, gardens, and Forbidden Purple City ruins. If you stayed the night, the next morning’s departure will be fresher.
  

Lap an Lagoon South of Hue, Vietnam

• Lap An Lagoon - South of Hue, Lap An Lagoon (Lagoon of Lang Co) is a scenic, brackish coastal lagoon framed by mountains. Grab a coffee or seafood snack here - the oysters are famous. It’s free to admire the view, and local cafes line the shore.
  

Hai Van Pass, Vietnam

• Hai Van Pass - This is the highlight of the drive. The winding 21 km mountain road offers panoramic views of the South China Sea on one side and jungle on the other.
  
  The summit even reveals Lang Co Bay and Da Nang in the distance. You can (and should) stop for photos at the crest - it’s open road, no fee. (We did!). Some drivers may even pull over where the old stone gate ruins are.
  

Lang Co Beach

• Lang Co Beach - Right after the pass is Lang Co, a picturesque beach town on a lagoon inlet. The beach has soft white sand and clear water. It’s a great lunch or stroll stop - there are seafood restaurants right on the sand.
  
  (Pro tip: this was recommended to us by locals as “don’t forget Lang Co Beach”.) No entrance fee - just enjoy the view.
  

Marble Mountains of Danang

• Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son) - Approaching Da Nang, you’ll see five limestone hills piercing the landscape. This cluster is the Marble Mountains, dotted with caves and pagodas.
  
  You can spend 30-60 minutes climbing steps to viewpoints and exploring caves like Huyen Khong. There’s a small entrance fee (~40-60k VND per person). The panoramic view from the top (as seen below) is worth it.
  
  (The summit pagoda is free after paying the site entrance fee.)
  

My Khe Beach in Da Nang

• My Khe Beach (Da Nang) - A short drive past Marble Mountains, Da Nang’s famous My Khe Beach is a long stretch of soft sand and gentle waves. It was even voted Asia’s 6th most beautiful beach in 2024.
  
  This public beach is free and open 24/7. It’s ideal for a quick dip or sunset photo stop before hitting the city. (Side note: local tourism says TripAdvisor awards it “4.5/5 stars” for its clean sand and calm waters.)

• Da Nang City Sights - If you have time, Da Nang itself is a modern city with a beautiful riverfront. Highlights include the Dragon Bridge (which breathes fire on weekend nights) and the Lady Buddha statue on Son Tra Peninsula. (These are free to view from outside.)
  
  Even a drive through the city center’s cafes and markets is lively. After Da Nang, it’s just ~30 km southwest to Hoi An through rice paddies and coconut groves.
  
  Got an extra day in Hoi An? Visit cham islands accessible by ferry, its absolutely worth it!

Hidden Gems & Detour Ideas

Beyond the major stops, here are a few offbeat suggestions from fellow travelers:

Suoi Mo (dream) Waterfall, Hue

• Suoi Mo (Dream) Waterfall, Hue - If you can spare an extra hour near Hue, consider this waterfall. It’s about 30 km from Hue city, hidden in forested hills by Lang Co. Suối Mơ’s cool pools are great for a short swim or picnic.
  
  (You’ll need a brief hike off the main road.) It’s a local secret often passed along on travel forums.
  

Phong Nha Botanical Garden

• Phong Nha Botanical Garden - Back at the start of your trip, some travelers in Phong Nha discovered a tidy botanical garden just outside town.
  
  It’s quiet, with ponds and plants - a nice 15-minute break before a long drive. (Entrance is tiny, ~40,000 VND.)

• Rice Fields and Villages - Instead of highway 1, there’s an alternate coastal road (QL49A and QL1A) that hugs the coast more closely.
  
  It takes longer but winds through fishing villages, rice paddies, and even through some small hills. Ask your driver about this if you want a more local flavor.

• Hue Overnight - If 7+ hours in one shot is too much, break the trip. Spend a night in Hue to see the citadel and tombs at leisure; head out early the next day.
  
  Or stay in Da Nang and use a second day for the Marble Mountains and museums. Remember that accommodations in Hue and Da Nang range from basic guesthouses to nice hotels, so you can tailor to your budget.

Pros and Cons of a Private Car

Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide if a private car is right for you:

• Pros:

• Flexibility: Stop whenever you want for photos, meals, or detours. The ride is your schedule.

• Comfort: A private AC car (SUV/van) vs a cramped bus. Relax and enjoy the view with ice-cold air-conditioning.

• Safety/Ease: You can nap or read on long stretches while the experienced driver handles the mountain roads. No need to navigate or worry about getting lost.

• Personal Driver: Most drivers speak some English and can chat or answer questions (though not formal guides). It’s door-to-door service - they pick you up at your hotel and drop you off at your Hoi An hotel.

• Cons:

• Cost: It’s more expensive than a bus or train, especially if you’re solo. The price is per car, so small groups get more value.

• Time: A private car won’t necessarily beat the train; however, it does save travel time compared to an 8-9 hour bus ride by going straight over Hai Van Pass.

• Road: Rural roads can be winding. If you get motion sick, bring meds. (But that’s true even on the famous Hai Van Pass.)

Overall, for families or small groups looking for ease and scenery, most find the private car worth it. You skip the hassle of multiple buses/transfers. As one travel advisor notes, these services are “private, door-to-door, on-request, guaranteeing top convenience”.

Boats at Night in Hoi an Lake

Booking Tips

• Book in advance: Popular routes can sell out. Use sites like 12go.asia or Viator to compare, or contact a local operator directly.

• Confirm details: Make sure your booking explicitly states your hotel pickup and drop-off, car type, and included stops. Ask if Wi-Fi or baby seats are available.

• Pickup time: Start early (say 7-8am) to avoid morning traffic and give you daylight for stops.

• Scams: Always pay reputable companies or platforms. Avoid shady “ride later” deals - if using an aggregator, double-check the company’s reviews.

• Payment: Many accept PayPal or credit card (some charge a fee), otherwise cash (USD or VND) on the day. Clarify cancellation policy.

FAQs

How long is the drive from Phong Nha to Hoi An?
The road distance is about 330-350 km, and a non-stop private transfer takes roughly 6-7 hours. With sightseeing stops it can run longer. By comparison, a direct bus can be 8-9 hours since buses often run on slower routes or schedules.

Can we stop at the Hai Van Pass along the way?
Absolutely. The Hai Van Pass is on the route between Da Nang and Hue, so virtually any private car trip will go through it.
Drivers are used to stopping at the summit viewpoint for photos and even to check out an old war-era gate or monument.

There’s no entrance fee - just tell your driver you want to pause at Hai Van Pass.

Is it worth booking a private car instead of a bus or train?
If comfort and flexibility matter to you, yes. A private car saves time (you go direct, without the tunnel or frequent stops that buses use) and lets you customize the journey.

The AC ride and English-speaking driver also make long travel easier. It costs more, but many travelers find the convenience justified, especially for groups or if you want to hit multiple sights en route.

On the other hand, if you’re solo on a tight budget, a bus plus a local taxi might be cheaper.

How much should I tip my driver?
Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it’s appreciated. For a full-day private transfer, something like 100,000-200,000 VND (US$5-$10) is a nice gesture.
You can hand it over at the end if service is good.

Making the trip from Phong Nha to Hoi An by private car turned out to be one of my favorite Vietnam journeys - no trains or buses, just me, an English-speaking driver, and 600+ km of breathtaking landscapes. I hope this guide helps you plan your own road trip. Enjoy the freedom of the open road, the hidden views, and all the little adventures in between!